How Long Does a New Refrigerator Take to Get to the Right Temperature?

A:

Quick Answer

It takes up to 24 hours for a new refrigerator to reach the correct temperature. Avoid placing food or drinks into the refrigerator until it reaches 40 degrees Fahrenheit or lower. The freezer must be at 0 degrees Fahrenheit.

Items that are left at room temperature spoil and cause illness in as little as 20 minutes, making it essential to wait the designated time before stocking a new refrigerator. Continue checking the refrigerator's temperature periodically to be sure it is still at a cool enough temperature. Other ways to ensure food remains fresh in the refrigerator include not packing too much in the refrigerator, keeping foods covered properly and writing dates on leftover foods.